The retina transforms light.
At the back of the eye, the retina contains light-sensitive cells. It transforms what it receives into signals, which are transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve. [1]
Science & perception
How does Dream Machine work?
You select a session in the app, sit in front of the Dream Machine, and close your eyes. Its pulsed light can then make colors, shapes, and an impression of movement appear. Here is how.
Understanding Dream Machine01 / A pulsing light
Dream Machine sets the pace.
Your visual system is responding.
Dream Machine varies the light throughout the session. These pulses stimulate your visual system, even with your eyes closed: this is the principle of photostimulation. When exposed to a regularly pulsed light, the brain can produce a response linked to this rhythm. [3]
The light of Dream Machine
Pulsed light
Rhythm of lightRetina
Visual pathways
Slow-motion educational animation. The dots represent signals being transmitted through the network.
SlowFaster
Vary the rate to observe the link between light and response. The animation is slowed down to make this principle visible.
02 / Signal path
How light becomes a signal.
Neurons transmit information to each other.
Small electrical signals propagate through neurons. At the junctions between cells, called synapses, chemical messengers can take over. Information thus circulates through a network. [2]
The network is keeping pace.
When light pulses at a steady rate, a portion of the brain's response can follow its rhythm. This is the link represented in the animation: a light cadence, followed by a response from the visual system. [3] [4]
To go further: what does "neural training" mean?
The term refers to the temporal adjustment of neuronal oscillations to an external periodic stimulation. It must be distinguished from the simple repetition of responses to each flash. A study by Notbohm and his colleagues compared regular and irregular stimulation: its results support entrainment under the conditions examined. This does not demonstrate that all light stimulation entrains all brain oscillations. [4]
03 / Seeing the brain's rhythm
How do we observe
this answer?
Researchers use tools such as the electroencephalogram, or EEG. Sensors placed on the head record the electrical variations produced by groups of neurons. These appear as traces, like those illustrated here. [5]
By comparing the rhythm of the light to that of the traces, researchers can identify a response linked to the stimulation. This is a way of making the principle illustrated above observable. [3]
Light is the starting point. The EEG allows for the study of the brain's response.
04 / What you can receive
Shapes and colors,
with eyes closed.
During a session, pulsed light may cause colors, geometric patterns, and impressions of movement to appear. These shapes emerge from your perception: they are not images projected by the lamp. Studies on photostimulation describe these phenomena with the eyes closed. [6]
The speed of the pulses is called frequency. Their regularity also matters. Modifying these rhythms can alter the perceived patterns and movements: this is why the rhythm of light occupies a central place in the experience. [7]
Music can also add an emotional dimension to this exploration. A study observed a stronger emotional response to music when it was accompanied by pulsed light. The shapes, colors, and sensations experienced remain personal. [8]
05 / Rhythms and states of consciousness
When your status changes,
Your rhythms are changing too.
Being fully awake, relaxing, or falling asleep: these states are accompanied by different ways of pacing brain activity. Researchers group these rhythms into five major families of waves. One hertz, or Hz, corresponds to one cycle per second. [9]
At rest with eyes closed, alpha waves—slower than beta and gamma—are often more prevalent in the back of the brain. As sleep approaches, and then during deep sleep, even slower rhythms take up more space. [9]
Delta
0.5–4 HzDeep sleep
Slow rhythms become more prevalent during deep sleep. [9]
Theta
4–8 HzToward sleep
Theta rhythms become more prominent during drowsiness and at the onset of sleep. [9]
Alpha
8–13 HzRest, eyes closed
At rest, with eyes closed, alpha activity is often more pronounced at the back of the brain. [9]
Beta
13–30 HzActive awakening
Faster rhythms also accompany brain activity in the waking state. [9]
Gamma
Above 30 HzPerception and attention
These rapid rhythms are studied in perception, attention, and certain meditative practices. [10]
Schematic outlines, indicative boundaries. Several rhythms coexist: their location varies according to the regions of the brain and the timing.
06 / Understanding your session
One session, three elements.
You choose your exploration.
The application allows you to choose and start a session. You sit in front of the instrument, then discover the experience with your eyes closed.
Dream Machine creates the pulses.
The session organizes light variations over time. This rhythm constitutes the stimulation received by your visual system.
You discover what appears.
Colors, shapes, movement: your perception gives the session its personal character. You let the experience unfold, eyes closed.
Regarding user research and feedback
This page explains the principle of photostimulation as applied to the Dream Machine. The studies cited shed light on this field using other devices; they do not constitute clinical trials of our product. The testimonials and the internal survey describe reported experiences. The detailed report of this survey is not available on this page.
To evaluate a study, look at who participated, what device was used, what was measured, and what comparator was applied. The files below maintain these benchmarks, their limitations, and declared funding. This documentary selection is not a systematic literature review.
Annotated sources
Read the works at the source.
For further reading: seven experimental studies and four neurophysiology references, consulted on October 6, 2026. Each entry specifies what was studied, with what apparatus, and what the results allow us to conclude.
[1] The retina and visual signal transmission
Purves et al. (eds.), Neuroscience, 2nd edition, 2001 · chapter "The Retina".
Educational reference on retinal circuits and the transmission of information via the optic nerve.
Consult the chapter on NCBI Bookshelf[2] Communication at chemical synapses
Purves et al. (eds.), Neuroscience, 2nd edition, 2001 · "Chemical Synapses" chapter.
Educational reference on action potentials, neurotransmitter release, and their action on the postsynaptic cell.
Consult the chapter on NCBI Bookshelf[3] Lingelbach et al. · 2021 · EEG response
Brain Oscillation Entrainment by Perceptible and Non-perceptible Rhythmic Light Stimulation. Frontiers in Neuroergonomics · DOI: 10.3389/fnrgo.2021.646225.
- Protocol
- 18 adults recruited; 14 analyzed for SSVEP responses, 12 for connectivity. Frequency-modulated experimental LED; different attention and perceptibility conditions.
- Result
- SSVEP responses at 10 Hz observed under the conditions examined.
- Scope
- Small selected sample, experimental context. Neither a trial of Dream Machine nor a demonstration of therapeutic benefit.
- Transparency
- Volkswagen AG funding; two authors are employees of this company.
[4] Notbohm, Kurths & Herrmann · 2016 · Training
Modification of Brain Oscillations via Rhythmic Light Stimulation Provides Evidence for Entrainment but Not for Superposition of Event-Related Responses. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience · DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2016.00010.
- Protocol
- 30 students recruited; 28 datasets retained after technical incidents, then 25 analyzed after additional exclusions. EEG comparison of regular and irregular LED stimulations.
- Result
- Results supporting the entrainment of oscillations under the regular conditions studied.
- Scope
- Mechanism study; it does not demonstrate a guaranteed mental state or a clinical benefit of Dream Machine.
- Transparency
- Supported by the Signals and Cognition doctoral program and the DFG; no commercial or financial conflicts declared.
[5] Neurophysiology of the EEG signal
Electroencephalography (EEG): An Introductory Text and Atlas of Normal and Abnormal Findings in Adults, Children, and Infants · appendix "The Scientific Basis of EEG".
Educational reference on the neuronal populations contributing to the signal recorded at the scalp. It sheds light on the measurement; it does not evaluate Dream Machine.
Consult the appendix on NCBI Bookshelf[6] Bartossek, Kemmerer & Schmidt · 2021 · Perception
Altered states phenomena induced by visual flicker light stimulation. PLOS ONE · DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253779.
- Protocol
- 24 participants; Lucia No. 03. Comparison of 3 and 10 Hz stimulation in the same individuals, with questionnaires on their experience.
- Result
- Documentation of perceptual phenomena and their variation. No significant effect on divergent thinking under the tested conditions.
- Scope
- Reported experiences show no evidence of lasting benefit for Dream Machine. One withdrawal due to migraine symptoms is reported.
- Transparency
- Supported by Freie Universität Berlin and the Sonnenfeld-Stiftung; equipment provided on loan free of charge by Light Attendance GmbH. No conflicts of interest declared.
[7] Amaya et al. · 2023 · Frequency and regularity
Effect of frequency and rhythmicity on flicker light-induced hallucinatory phenomena. PLOS ONE · DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284271.
- Protocol
- 20 participants selected; experimental stroboscope built by Lumenate. Regular and irregular conditions compared via questionnaires.
- Result
- Regularity and frequency influence certain reported visual phenomena.
- Scope
- The causal role of neural entrainment in these perceptions remains to be tested via EEG. The study does not validate Dream Machine programs.
- Transparency
- Donation from Lumenate Growth Ltd to Freie Universität Berlin allocated to Timo Torsten Schmidt; link declared in the article.
[8] Montgomery, Amaya & Schmidt · 2024 · Music
Flicker light stimulation enhances the emotional response to music: a comparison study to the effects of psychedelics. Frontiers in Psychology · DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1325499.
- Protocol
- 20 volunteers; Lucia No. 03. Musical listening with and without light stimulation, evaluated by questionnaires.
- Result
- Increased emotional response to music in the stimulation condition.
- Scope
- Small sample; observation specific to the protocol. Neither a guaranteed effect nor a Dream Machine therapeutic trial.
- Transparency
- Device provided free of charge by Light Attendance GmbH; publication fee support from Freie Universität Berlin. A donation from Lumenate for laboratory infrastructure, independent of this study, is declared.
[9] The rhythms of wakefulness and sleep
Britton, Frey, Hopp et al. · Electroencephalography (EEG): An Introductory Text and Atlas of Normal and Abnormal Findings in Adults, Children, and Infants · American Epilepsy Society, 2016 · "The Normal EEG" chapter.
Pedagogical reference on posterior alpha at rest with eyes closed, beta activity during wakefulness, and slower rhythms during drowsiness and sleep. The frequency band limits are indicative conventions; a family of waves does not, on its own, define a person’s state of consciousness.
Consult the chapter on NCBI Bookshelf[10] Lutz et al. · 2004 · Gamma and meditation
Long-term meditators self-induce high-amplitude gamma synchrony during mental practice. PNAS · DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0407401101.
- Protocol
- 8 experienced Buddhist practitioners and 10 controls; EEG at rest and during compassion meditation.
- Result
- Increased gamma activity during meditation, more significant in experienced practitioners; synchronization also studied.
- Scope
- Gamma can be produced without light stimulation. A small sample and specific practice; this study does not evaluate photostimulation or the Dream Machine, and does not define a universal state of "hyper-consciousness."
[11] Tsoneva, Garcia-Molina & Desain · 2021 · Light at 40–60 Hz
SSVEP phase synchronies and propagation during repetitive visual stimulation at high frequencies. Scientific Reports · DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83795-9.
- Protocol
- 32 adults; experimental LED panel observed with eyes open. Periodic stimulation from 40 to 60 Hz, excluding 50 Hz, with EEG recording.
- Result
- Responses linked to gamma-band stimulation, primarily in the occipital visual regions.
- Scope
- An electrical response to a rhythm does not in itself demonstrate a particular state of consciousness. Device and protocol different from Dream Machine.
- Transparency
- Philips Internal Ethics Committee; one author is an employee and one author is a former employee of Royal Philips, as stated in the publication.